Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of regarding as equal: The process of considering two or more things to be the same in value, status, or meaning.
   • A state of being essentially equal or equivalent; equally balanced: A condition where different elements are of the same worth, importance, or effect.
   • A mathematical statement that two expressions are equal: A symbolic representation, using the equals sign (=), showing that the quantities on either side have the same value.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Act of regarding as equal):

  • The equation of wealth with happiness is a common misconception.
  • His speech argued against the equation of silence with agreement.

• Noun (State of being equal):

  • There is a clear equation between the effort you put in and the results you get.
  • The political treaty aimed for an equation of power between the two nations.

• Noun (Mathematical statement):

  • Solve the equation 2x + 5 = 11 for x.
  • Einstein's famous equation is E = mc².

Advanced Usage

• "To be on an equation with": To be equivalent or comparable to something.

  • In terms of influence, the new policy is on an equation with the original law.

• "Chemical equation": A symbolic representation of a chemical reaction, showing the reactants and products.

  • The chemical equation for photosynthesis is 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.

Variants and Related Words

• Equate (verb): To consider one thing as being the same as or equivalent to another.

  • One should not equate criticism with personal attack.

• Equational (adjective): Relating to or of the nature of an equation.

  • The equational logic was used to prove the theorem.

Synonyms

• Equivalence: The condition of being equal or equivalent in value, function, or meaning.
• Parity: The state or condition of being equal, especially regarding status or pay.
• Formula (in mathematics): A general fact, rule, or principle expressed in mathematical symbols.

Related Phrases

• Differential equation: An equation involving derivatives of a function.

  • Newton's laws of motion can be expressed as differential equations.

• Linear equation: An equation between two variables that gives a straight line when plotted on a graph.

  • y = 3x + 2 is a simple linear equation.

Related Idioms

• "It's all part of the equation": It is one of the factors that must be considered in a situation.
  • Talent is important, but hard work is also part of the equation for success.

Noun

1. the act of regarding as equal
2. a state of being essentially equal or equivalent; equally balanced
   • on a par with the best
3. a mathematical statement that two expressions are equal